The Panel is the forum for discussion and decision making in cases where social workers are seeking legal intervention in order to safeguard the welfare of a child. The Panel incorporates the function of a legal planning meeting and will consider whether the threshold for an application to Court for an order has been met. The Panel will also review cases that are in the PLO on a regular basis to ensure timely action, and will review Supervision and other orders that are in place to decide on whether the order should remain in place.

Details of how the Panel operates and the cases that will be considered can be found in the Panel Terms of Reference. Social workers should also refer to the guidance for information on when and how to refer to the Panel.

The Connecting Families Panel will consider cases involving children aged 12+ on the edge of care. For details on the remit of the Panel and when and how to refer please see the Terms of Reference.